Always be willing to accept change, to learn continuously, and to keep a good attitude. Take any kind of computer classes available. I was very fortunate to have started at BMW in this job at age 21. But I stayed on my career track, got the education I needed and some work experience, and here I am.

I never would have believed that I would be making my great salary and have all these benefits at my age. But my boss said one reason he hired me was I had such a good attitude. I think my attitude showed that I was willing to work hard, be flexible, and learn what I needed to add value to the company. And take advantage of every school-to-work opportunity available. When considering the alternatives, I knew that the apprenticeship program was the only way to go. I could have wasted my senior year in just any minimum wage job. Instead, I chose to work in industry and to gain valuable experience that will go with me for the rest of my life.